Fifteen people were reported missing after a motor banca was believed to have drifted toward the coastal waters of Davao Occidental, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
In an interview with 93.1 Brigada News FM Davao, ENS Ralph Punongbayan of the PCG Davao Occidental said the motor banca, identified as MBCA Amejara, departed from Sta. Wharf in Davao City and was bound for Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. The vessel was reported missing on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026.
Punongbayan said the motor banca had no clearance from the Coast Guard to travel but proceeded with the voyage. At the time it went missing, the vessel was carrying four crew members and 11 passengers.
He added that MBCA Amejara is classified as a recreational motor banca commonly used for island-hopping activities by tourists.
The Coast Guard official did not disclose the identities of the passengers. He noted that information circulating within the Brigada group suggested the passengers may have been divers, but he stressed that this detail has not been confirmed by authorities.
As of reporting time, Punongbayan said search and rescue operations are ongoing. The Coast Guard has deployed BRP Malamawi from Davao and BRP Panglao from Sarangani to assist in the operation.
The Coast Guard is urging the public, particularly fishermen and residents along the coast, to immediately report any sightings of the missing motor banca or its passengers to authorities to allow for a faster response.
The incident remains under investigation as search efforts continue in nearby waters.
